Varicose veins

Varicose veins are veins on the leg which are large, twisted, and ropelike, and can cause pain, swelling, or itching. They are an extreme form of telangiectasia[?], or spider veins.

Varicose veins are more common in women than in men, and are linked with heredity. Other related factors are pregnancy, obesity, menopause, ageing, and abdominal straining.

The irritation -- especially the itching -- of varicose veins can be controlled to an extent with either of the following:

• anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin -- but there is a risk of intestinal bleeding
• regular exercise

External links

• http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1999/09_99/pn_veins.htm